TENUN TYPE

Experiments on Translating Traditional Tenun Pattern to Modular Forms for the Design of a Geometric Display Typeface

Abstract

This paper is written as a report on visual research that the author has conducted in terms of typeface design. The designed typeface is inspired by one of Indonesia’s fabric, called Tenun. Tenun is known for its distinct method of production, using a cross-weaving technique to create a unique visual pattern. The pattern of Tenun itself is then transformed into several modules that were later used to design several iterations of display typefaces. The purpose of the experiment itself is to study a methodological approach in creating geometric display typefaces, where the typeface resulted from the experiment itself can also be used for promoting and also showcasing the richness of Indonesia’s visual artifacts. The experiment is done by extracting shapes from the pattern to create a module for the design. The module is then used to form alphabets in which the characteristic of the typefaces mimics the traits of the Tenun pattern. After several iterations, the typeface designed is then evaluated in terms of legibility of each character. From this experiment, the author concluded that building a typeface based on a visual artifact can create a close representation between the design and the represented artifact.